Rikishi talk

[Moti Dichne]

Shoudai  won the musubi no ichiban for the second consecutive day. He pushed out Ozeki Kotozakura. Following his victory against Kirishima on the 10th day, he has now defeated an Ozeki for the second consecutive day. Reflecting on his second consecutive musubi bout, he said, "I didn't feel the same strange tension as yesterday." He said he was able to prepare thoroughly, making use of the previous day's experience, and added, "I thought about time management and timed my approach to the final bout." If he wins his bout against Abi tomorrow, his record will return to an even 6 wins and 6 losses. The possibility of achieving a kachikoshi for the second consecutive tournament has once again come into view.

Yoshinofuji celebrated his and his tsukebito Arashifuji's kachikoshi on the same day. Today, he faced Hiradoumi and won by shitatenage. While reflecting, "I was too aggressive today," he was positive about his first kachikoshi in two tournaments. He went on a seven-match winning streak from day 4, when he was down 1 win and 3 losses, keeping his chances of becoming a Sanyaku open and remaining in contention for the yusho as well.. On this day, Arashifuji from Makushita 2, also achieved a kachikoshi, taking a big step towards promotion to Juryo next basho. Yoshinofuji said, "It's a shame to make him feel down because I lose. This win is very significant. Right now, he's number one (in the promotion race)," expressing his hopes for Arashifuji's promotion.

Kotoeihou maintained his two-loss record. He defeated Oushouma shitatenage as well.. He won a close match that was challenged by the shinpan , calling a monoii, and attributed his victory to "being quick from the start and getting close to my opponent." He says his own sumo has "both good and bad aspects," but he is now one win away from achieving double-digit wins for the first time since last summer's tournament where he had an 11-4 record. "I'm always in my best condition during tournaments," he said, indicating he will approach the 12th day with a natural, relaxed attitude.

 

Komusubi Wakatakakage has fallen behind in the race for the yusho. He suffered his third loss, being forced out by Ozeki Kirishima. He muttered, "It wasn't good," regarding his own match. He is now chasing Kirishima, who is in first place with a 9-2 record, along with East Maegashira 13 Kotoeihou) and East Maegashira 15th Tobizaru . Tomorrow, he will face  Gounoyama, who also has an 8-3 record. He renewed his determination, saying, "I want to do my usual sumo and perform my own style of sumo."

 

Ura staged an incredible comeback with remarkable tenacity to achieve his kachikoshi. He was pushed back by Wakanoshou, but he braced himself by placing his feet on the bales and arching his back to fight back. Seeing an opportunity, he went for a morozashi and finished him off with a swift shoulder throw. In the NHK interview room, he humbly commented on his kachikoshi, saying, "I'm happy to think that I still have strength left." He added, "This is my last tournament at 33, so I want to continue to do my best." This is his first kachikoshi in three tournaments, and he will turn 34 on June 22nd. His ability to thrill spectators with his sumo is still very much alive and well.